5 Things You Should STOP Doing for Your Toddler
It can be hard to let go when our babies grow up and become toddlers. We want to hang on to that little baby and refuse to accept that time truly does go by so fast. If you have found yourself realizing that your little baby is now a toddler then read on for the 5 things you should STOP doing for your toddler.
As babies our children need so much time and attention. They need us to do everything for them. It becomes routine and it’s healthy to stop and re-evaluate what things you should be doing for your toddler and what things he should be doing himself. Here are 5 things you should stop doing for your toddler and start encouraging him to do himself! It’s healthy for development and growth for them to make these changes.
#1 Formula or Milk?
As a baby your child needed breastmilk or formula. Once they hit 12 months old they can be transitioned to whole milk and off of formula. You can transition your child to a toddler formula or whole milk. Which is more beneficial, toddler formula vs whole milk? Depending on your family’s diet either choice may be best for you. Toddler formula is great for picky toddlers as it helps fill in those nutritional gaps. It is also great for on the go since you can take the powder with you and just mix it with water. It’s easier to transport on the go than cow’s milk is. Maybe a combination of both is right for your toddler.
#2 One nap or two?
As a baby you quickly realize that they really do just sleep, eat and poop. Your baby probably settled into a routine of 2 naps a day, one morning nap and one afternoon nap. As you baby transitions into toddlerhood you will find that the need for 2 naps dwindles and can be reduced to one afternoon nap instead. My kids generally gave up 2 naps around 2 years old. Every child is different though!
#3 Feeding your baby vs. self feeding
As a baby you spoon fed your child their baby food. As a toddler they should be well on their way to self feeding 100% of the time. You’ll need to relinquish your need for control and let them be messy toddlers feeding themselves. They typically eat less as they learn to self feed and that is okay. Just feed them as often as they are hungry and they won’t starve! Encourage self feeding by serving bite size pieces that are easy to pick up like these mini PB&J sandwiches or these 3 ingredient toddler bites.
#4 Assuming they need diapers
Babies need diapers, it’s a given. As babies grow into toddlers we need to remember to watch for clues that they are ready to stop wearing diapers and start potty training. Waking up dry and asking to be changed right away after soiling their diaper are both clues that your child may be ready to potty train.
#5 Cleaning up their toys
Even at age 2 and 3 kids can start doing their own chores. Things like picking up their toys, putting dirty clothes in the hamper and clearing their spot at the table, are all things that are age appropriate. Encouraging them to start picking up and helping the family from an early age will set them up for success as they grow older.
As your little baby grows into a toddler remember to stop and evaluate what new and exciting things they can start doing themselves. Although it can be hard to let go of those precious little baby moments, it’s exciting to move to a new stage too!
As a toddler, she can tell us what she wants. If only babies could do this too, it would make babyhood and parenthood easier.
Oh, that would make everything so much easier.
Wwe have a brand new grandson that just turned 3 months old. So far he has just started sleeping through the night without waking up.
My 18 month old is currently obsessed with climbing the stairs.
I don’t have kids, but my niece is now independent and can feed herself
Oh my gosh get into everything and anything you have to watch them like a hawk lol house is child prof but they find things to do like a toast in the dvd player haha oh I love my grand children so much!
My kids can ride their bikes.
My nephew is just starting to talk. It is so cute!
My 2 1/2 year old is able to use a tablet by herself. She also has tried to make phone calls from my cell phone! lol
sit up so early
My daughter can hold her bottle now.
My son can write now that he is 6! Yay!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
My son can sorta feed himself (finger foods!)
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
My daughter can play and entertain herself. She can also communicate better.
Our three year old is super-good at getting items for us from the cabinets or refrigerator. She can also take off her socks and shoes, pants and shirt – and she’s getting better at getting dressed herself! Yay!
My Granddaughter (14 mths) can now open drawers & is mastering walking. She has started talking & signing a few words.
My grandson is starting to feed himself.
they can sit on the potty with no accidents.
My neighbor boy can walk now!
he can walk! 🙂
I love that our little guy can talk. He says the funniest things.
Our little guy can go to the bathroom on his own now!
MY DAUGHTER IS NOW STARTING TO GO THE POTTY !
He can ride his bike.
My daughter can now make her own pbnj sandwich. Its crazy how fast they grow. I’m excited to be able to watch my grandson grow and learn.
She is putting on her own pants
My baby is due this week 🙂
My two year old just went in the potty for the first time yesterday! I was/am so happy!
Yay! That is such a great milestone.
My son is starting to use the toilet!
She can talk back and be sassy now lol
She just started sticking her tongue out. LOL It is too cute!
Talk back! Boooooo!!! Lol!!
My 2 year old son is great at articulating his needs – his vocabulary is huge! And, he’s capable of helping now – he can help pick up his toys, feed himself, hand me diapers or wipes for his baby sister, etc.
My two-year-old son can take off his clothes…all day. It is a battle to keep clothes on him right now.
Oh, I remember that stage all too well.
my kid loves to tell jokes now
My kids can read now!
He is obsessed with the word “NO!” and then he laughs afterwards- I think he’s going to be a handful!
He talks all the time.
They can soothe themselves back to sleep.
My son can tell me what foods he likes to eat. Such as nana, apple, eggs.
Ride a bike!
Sleeping through the night!
Tell me what is wrong or what they want! I love the baby stage but I really love when they start communicating verbally instead of crying!
Just grandchildren for me, the oldest can drive a car, the youngest is potty training. I have a new one due in less that a month. Getting excited!
I don’t have kids, this will go to another kid I know.
They can both finally clean up their own messes (though they like to pretend they can’t.)
He is in to everything. And he climbs everywhere.
I love when toddlers get to the point that they can put their clothes on (even with help). I love that step of independence.